CollectionsApr 26, 2024
Piece of the Week: Jacquie Aiche’s Starry Galaxy NecklaceThe necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
Events & AwardsJan 11, 2019
AGA Names 4 Recipients of 2019 Bonanno Award
The Accredited Gemologists Association has expanded its awards to reflect the many facets of the gemology field.
New York—For only the second time in its 45-year history, the Accredited Gemologists Association will present the Bonanno Award to multiple recipients—four to be exact.
The Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology is given to people who have made important contributions to the field.
The 2019 award will go to: Donna Hawrelko, a gemology and jewelry program coordinator and instructor at Vancouver Community College, and president of the Canadian Gemmological Association; Alberto Scarani and Mikko Åström, co-founders of MAGI Labs; and renowned research gemologist Karl Schmetzer. 
She is a leading figure in the international gemological community, developing course manuals and materials while teaching international students in the gemology and jewelry departments at Vancouver Community College, where she has been an instructor since 1992 and program coordinator since 2005.
Hawrelko also was instrumental in developing the Canadian Gemmological Association, serving as its chief examiner, director of education and stepping into the role of president in 2014.
She also is a past president of AGA.
The AGA is honoring Scarani and Åström for adapting advanced spectroscopy technology to the gemological field, making it accessible and affordable to all gemologists.
According to the AGA, their Gemmoraman system was a breakthrough for gemologists and appraisers, providing them portable and reliable Raman and Photoluminescence spectroscopy capabilities.
Before this, the technology and database needed for the best results were accessible only through universities and major laboratories.
Schmetzer, meanwhile, is being honored for his more than 50 years of research in the mineralogical and gemological fields, and for sharing his discoveries. His body of work includes almost 400 papers, two books and presentations around the world.
He also has served in leadership roles in industry organizations, including CIBJO, to help raise professional standards for the global gem and jewelry industry.
As a result, the board decided to introduce an expanded award format to reflect the many facets of the gemstone field.
“After all, since its inception, the AGA has endeavored to recognize the people and pioneers who have made significant contributions in each of the areas in which the AGA has been active,” President Stuart Robertson said.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
“So today, with such expanded activity in each of those areas—education, gemological research, gemological instrumentation, industry standards and consumer awareness—a single award is no longer sufficient.”
Past recipients of the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology include Cigdem Lule, Thomas Hainschwang, Richard Hughes, Christopher Smith, James Shigley, Antoinette Matlins and the late G. Robert Crowningshield, among many others.
AGA will present this year’s winners with their awards at the gala/dinner/dance scheduled to take place Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Tucson University Park Hotel, at the end of the AGA conference.
The award includes a personalized plaque and $2,000 honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
For more information or to attend the conference or gala, go to AccreditedGemologists.org or call 844-288-4367.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Jan. 14, 2019, to reflect that Donna Hawrelko became president of the CGA in 2014, not 2015, as was previously stated.
Past recipients of the Antonio C. Bonanno Award for Excellence in Gemology include Cigdem Lule, Thomas Hainschwang, Richard Hughes, Christopher Smith, James Shigley, Antoinette Matlins and the late G. Robert Crowningshield, among many others.
AGA will present this year’s winners with their awards at the gala/dinner/dance scheduled to take place Wednesday, Feb. 6 at the Tucson University Park Hotel, at the end of the AGA conference.
The award includes a personalized plaque and $2,000 honorarium funded by the AGA membership.
For more information or to attend the conference or gala, go to AccreditedGemologists.org or call 844-288-4367.
Editor’s note: This story was updated on Jan. 14, 2019, to reflect that Donna Hawrelko became president of the CGA in 2014, not 2015, as was previously stated.
More on Events & Awards
The Latest
SourcingApr 26, 2024
Anglo American Reportedly Shopping De Beers as BHP Eyes Anglo Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
EditorsApr 25, 2024
5 Tips for Creating Fans from the Top (Savannah) Banana Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
Brought to you by
The Blueprint for Success in Scalable, Personalized Jewelry RetailWith Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
WatchesApr 25, 2024
Audemars Piguet and John Mayer Partner on Limited Edition WatchThe Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
Weekly QuizApr 26, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
SourcingApr 25, 2024
De Beers Lowers Production Guidance for 2024The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
MajorsApr 25, 2024
Detroit Lions’ QB Jared Goff Keeps Going to JaredThe three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
Brought to you by
How Jewelers of America Represents Your BusinessFor over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
CrimeApr 24, 2024
Jewelry Crime Declines Significantly, But Dollar Losses Remain High A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
CollectionsApr 24, 2024
Pippa Small Announces ‘Venus’ CollectionInspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
FinancialsApr 24, 2024
Kering’s Jewelry Brands a Bright Spot in Tough Q1The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2024
JCK Industry Fund Announces 2024 Grant RecipientsThe selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
SourcingApr 24, 2024
Rio Tinto’s Q1 Production Drops Amid Pause to Honor Lost Colleagues The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
WatchesApr 24, 2024
These Are Rolex’s New Watches for 2024 The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
ColumnistsApr 23, 2024
The Smart Lab: Advanced Email Marketing Strategies for Mother’s DayEmmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
IndependentsApr 23, 2024
Hannoush Jewelers Opens New Store in New York Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
SourcingApr 23, 2024
Lucapa Sells 3 Diamonds for $10.5M in First Lulo Tender of 2024A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
GradingApr 23, 2024
GIA Has a New Book About William RuserRuser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
CollectionsApr 22, 2024
Jacquie Aiche’s New Campaign Stars Adam Levine, Behati PrinslooThe “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
EditorsApr 22, 2024
The 22 Best Quotes from AGS Conclave 2024 Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
SourcingApr 22, 2024
Virtual Diamond Boutique Rebrands as ‘VDB’The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
MajorsApr 22, 2024
Signet Raises Nearly $9M for St. Jude Children’s Research HospitalThe money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
CollectionsApr 19, 2024
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s Treasure NecklaceA new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
CrimeApr 19, 2024
Grand Jury to Hear Case Against Jeweler Charged in Fatal Shove Following IJO ShowLast month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
MajorsApr 19, 2024
Unique Designs Acquires China PearlThe move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
GradingApr 19, 2024
AGS Ideal Report Now Available in Printed FormFrom now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
SourcingApr 18, 2024
Diamond Trade Remains Cautious Amid Economic UncertaintyDe Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
